Expressive Writing for Emotional Well-Being

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Erik Nook, PhD

Research Sponsored by Trustees of Princeton University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up initial visit (day 1), final visit (day 15), 1-month follow-up (1 month after day 14)

Summary

This trial looks at how expressive writing impacts young adults differently when they imagine talking to themselves vs. a loved one. 159 people will take part, each in one of 3 groups.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for US-based, English-speaking young adults experiencing mild symptoms of depression or anxiety. Participants must have a certain score on mental health questionnaires to join. They can't take part if they don't write for at least 15 minutes daily or miss three days in a row.

What is being tested?

The study tests the effects of expressive writing when directed towards oneself versus someone close, compared with factual writing about daily routines. Over two weeks, participants will be randomly placed into one of three groups and asked to write each day according to their group's theme.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves writing exercises, there are no direct physical side effects expected from participation. However, discussing deep thoughts and feelings could potentially cause temporary emotional discomfort.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ initial visit (day 1), final visit (day 15), 1-month follow-up (1 month after day 14)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~initial visit (day 1), final visit (day 15), 1-month follow-up (1 month after day 14)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and initial visit (day 1), final visit (day 15), 1-month follow-up (1 month after day 14) for reporting.